My electricity meter quit working, what if it happened to you?

Question

I live in the country and read my own meter each month, I was expecting x amount of KWH when I went to read it. It was half what I expected and this puzzled me. I noticed later that it wasn't even moving, I can't remember when this has happened before if ever. Two days later, the meter has not moved, I must send in my reading in a day or two, what would you do? I know the proper thing to do, but I would like the money for other things and this seems like some sort of "gift". I thought of calling the electric co. and telling them that I will be out of state indefinitely, then in a month or two I will call them and inform them of the problem. Like, "I turned the electric back on after my trip, but the meter is stuck". I haven't tampered with it by the way. I'm leaning toward just reporting it, my bill is already going to be about half it's normal. Thanks.

Also, what could be possible consequences?

It's unanimous, I was leaning that way, you sent me over the edge! I'm going to draw straws more or less for the points, but thank you both.

Answer 1

my experances is this; if u do the right thing later u will be rewarded somewhow......do the wrong thing willing and it will bite u in the butt 10 fold!

Answer 2

Go ahead and call it in. It's the right thing to do. They will give you an estimated bill for this month

Answer 3

The're going to estimate what you're using, so do whatever you want. They will look at useage history of previous years to determine usage & bill you accordingly.